Why Did 21 Teams Pass Up On Randy Moss?

The Tennessee Titans picked up Randy Moss today with the 22nd
waiver priority. That means 21 teams passed on one of the most
talented receivers in the game.

In a league that has become dominated by the pass, why did so
many teams pass up on Randy Moss?

Part of it, of course, has to do with money. Randy Moss is owed
about $3.4 million for the remainder of the season. Eight of the
teams ahead of the Titans in the waiver order (which
goes by the reverse order of the standings) sport winning
percentages less than .300. No reason to spend $3 million on a
season that's already gone down the drain.

Among the remaining 13 teams, the Chargers, Eagles, Redskins,
Packers, Texans, and Saints, already have potent passing offenses
that rank in the top third of the league. Moss, and his hefty
salary, would only marginally improve those teams.

That leaves:

Cardinals: The "quarterback" controversy
brewing between the unproven Max Hall, and the proven – but not
in a good way – Derek Anderson would leave Moss uninspired and
disgruntled.

Jaguars: The Jags already have deep threats in
Mike Sims-Walker and Marcedes Lewis, what they need is a
reliable short-yard receiver, not more of the same.

Raiders: They're building a good young core,
and Al Davis doesn't want to take playing time away from his
pet receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey

Dolphins: Brandon Marshall can be enough of a
headache on his own. Randy Moss doubles their locker room
trouble. (Although that would be a nightmare combo for opposing
defensive coordinators).

Seahawks: Carroll likes his receivers so much
that he just traded his preseason No. 1, Deion Branch, to the
Patriots. No need to spend money on a position he already
likes.

Bears: As great of a fit as Moss would be with
Jay Cutler, Bears' WR Johnny Knox is third in average yards per
catch (19.9) among receivers with at least 20 receptions. Here
again, Moss would be a repetitive asset at 12x the
salary.

In the end, it comes down to his worrisome attitude, but head
coach Jeff Fisher won't need much help keeping Moss motivated.
Five of their eight remaining games – two against the Texans, one
each against the Jaguars, Redskins, and Dolphins – come against
teams that passed up on the future Hall-of-Famer.